The Blueprint 2: The Gift & the Curse
by Jay-Z
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Nov 12, 2002
User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 88 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 88
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 88
  3. Negative: 10 out of 88

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  1. JohnMurrayHill
    Apr 9, 2008
    7
    When this came out - for Jay-Z fans - it was the bomb. Listening to it now, some of the tracks aren't great. That said, the second CD - the darker CD - is damn good. There are a lot of gems on here. Fans of Jay-Z will definitely find some good stuff here. Some nice Kanye West productions too.
  2. alexf
    Jan 26, 2007
    7
    jiggas lp was hot but nas album was hotter nas 4 ever: stillmatic >>>> blueprint 2
  3. BobC
    Feb 21, 2006
    9
    H O V A I got my mojo back baby oh behave
  4. dontezg
    Sep 17, 2004
    10
    i liked the album alot matter of fact i liked every album by jay-z cuase he's my favorite rapper.
  5. trevorm
    Mar 13, 2004
    9
    good album a few unsoulfull songs
  6. KamalJ
    May 8, 2003
    9
    This album is hott as hell. It may not be as good as Blueprint, but I say give credit where credit is due.
  7. NigelF
    Jan 2, 2003
    10
    That nigga jay-z done did it again, this alnum is outa this world, theres something for everyone, the greatest flows i've eva heard. he has always been the king, and he will always be. nas is Sh@t compared to jigga. HOVA 4 EVA BABY, YEAH, JAMAICAN'S SAY DAT.
  8. TBut
    Dec 23, 2002
    10
    Amazing simply amazing.... How incredible....from "some people hate" to "bluprint2" an overall great album
  9. AHink
    Dec 7, 2002
    10
    People are always hatin on jigga but he doesn't make horrible music at all he is on another level but y'all aint feelin' him
  10. MoisesB
    Nov 28, 2002
    10
    Is great MUSIC ABOUT TIME!!! Something that's different into another level...
  11. rico
    Nov 26, 2002
    10
    This album is absolute genius. One of his best since Reasonable Doubt. From dance tracks(the Bounce), to hype tracks(You Don't Know 2), to deep tracks(Meet The Parents,Ballad For The Fallen Soldiers). Those who don't think so dont know great music.
  12. DarrenR
    Nov 26, 2002
    8
    there are some songs that get your attention but there are songs that you have to listen to 2 really understand
  13. Jared
    Nov 23, 2002
    9
    I enjoyed this album. Listen to the lyrics don't skim through the music.

Awards & Rankings

52
#52 Most Discussed Album of 2002
50
#50 Most Shared Album of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 19
  3. Negative: 2 out of 19
  1. Uncut
    40
    We've heard too much of this before. [Jan 2003, p.119]
  2. Stylus Magazine
    37
    If The Blueprint proved that coming back is easy, The Blueprint 2 proves it’s difficult to stay on top.
    Read full review
  3. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    30
    What a curse Jay-Z's ideas represent: Nearly everything about The Blueprint 2 sounds like a retread, including its title.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »